Sunday, April 1, 2012 by C. Michial Jones
After several months of professional transition in my law enforcement career, I finally saw “the light at the end of the tunnel.” With my new role under control, I was able to turn my focus back to the road and the mat. This time, the journey led to Indianapolis for a session with my good friend and exceptional technician, Roy Hobbs Sensei.
The Precision of the Dentokan
Hobbs Sensei is a detail-oriented instructor whose expertise in the Dentokan (Hakkoryu/Kokodoryu) Jujutsu system is world-class. I was invited to a private training session at the Denbukan dojo, where we focused specifically on the Sandan Gi set.
Shared mat time with Hobbs Sensei is always a humbling experience. He possesses that rare ability to find the exact “center” of a technique with surgical precision. While some of the junior students struggled to apply their techniques on me—a testament to how decades of Hojo Undo (strength and conditioning) builds a resilient, difficult-to-manipulate frame—Hobbs Sensei had no such trouble. In true master form, he moved me with ease, keeping me “up on my toes” throughout the session.
Public Seminar and Tachi Waza
Following the private workout, we moved to a larger venue for a public seminar hosted by Andy Bryant. The energy shifted as the group grew, but the focus remained sharp as we continued to drill Sandan Gi Tachi Waza (standing techniques).
Jujutsu and Goju-Ryu share a common ancestral interest in Tuite (joint manipulation) and Shime-waza (choking/strangulation). Watching Hobbs Sensei work provides a “high-definition” look at the mechanics of leverage that we often see hidden in the Bunkai of our Karate kata.
A Personal Milestone
This trip was special for reasons beyond the mat. It took place on my 19th Wedding Anniversary. I am incredibly fortunate to have a wife who understands the pull of Budo; she was gracious enough to spend the evening with us, even acting as the event photographer.
The evening concluded with dinner and a thoughtful gesture from Hobbs Sensei, who presented me with gifts he had brought back from his recent travels to Japan.
The Scholar’s Advice
I cannot stress enough to my students and readers: if you have the opportunity to train with a technician of Roy Hobbs’ caliber, take it. Do not let style or “faction” blind you to the lessons available from a true master of body mechanics. I count myself lucky to call him a friend, but even luckier to have him as a resource on this long journey.
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